Painted Canyon Overlook
Medora, ND
A roadside overlook on I-94 with a sudden view into the banded badlands of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Best at sunrise or late afternoon.
Painted Canyon Overlook is a viewpoint with a small visitor center in Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota, about 7 miles (roughly 11 km) east of Medora, right on Interstate 94. For travelers heading west it is the first encounter with the park. From the upper rim of the Badlands the view opens onto jagged ridges in many colors. The North Dakota tourism board calls it one of the most impressive views of the Badlands.
At the overlook there are restrooms, a picnic area and parking, including for buses. Access is paved and wheelchair accessible, and admission to the visitor center is free according to the tourism board. With some luck you may spot wild horses and occasionally bison.
For more time, Frommer's recommends the park's South Unit with a 36-mile (about 58 km) scenic loop starting at the South Unit Visitor Center in Medora. The National Park Service occasionally announces short closures of the overlook; check season, hours and current notices in advance.
- Nearest town
- Medora, ND
- Category
- Scenic viewpoints
- GPS
- 46.8937, -103.3814
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and October. Cold, short days in December–March. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Red Trail CampgroundCampsite7 mi from Painted Canyon Overlook
- Rough Rider State Park CampgroundCampsite7 mi from Painted Canyon Overlook · 48 pitchesShowers
- Medora City CampgroundCampsite7 mi from Painted Canyon Overlook · 150 pitchesElectricityShowers
- Medora CampgroundCampsite7 mi from Painted Canyon Overlook
- Cottonwood CampgroundCampsite8 mi from Painted Canyon Overlook · 76 pitchesTentsCaravansElectricity
- Buffalo Gap CampgroundCampsite14 mi from Painted Canyon OverlookShowers
All campsites in North Dakota · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Painted Canyon Overlook?
Painted Canyon Overlook is in Medora, ND, at GPS 46.8937, -103.3814. It is about 9 mi from Belfield.
Can you camp near Painted Canyon Overlook?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Red Trail Campground, about 7 mi away; within 25 mi there are 11 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Painted Canyon Overlook?
Painted Canyon Overlook is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: North Dakota badlands and the Enchanted Highway.
What is there to see near Painted Canyon Overlook?
Places worth a stop nearby: Medora (7 mi), Chateau de Mores State Historic Site (8 mi), Enchanted Highway (39 mi) and Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Unit (49 mi).
When is the best time to visit Painted Canyon Overlook?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)